May 18, 2017

ACA Supports FCC’s Initiation Of The Restore Internet Freedom Rulemaking

ACA Members Pledge To Maintain An Open Internet For Their Customers

PITTSBURGH, May 18, 2017 –  American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s action today to initiate a proceeding to classify broadband internet access service as an information service and consider the proper requirements for internet service providers’ practices:

“ACA applauds the FCC for beginning a proceeding to scrap utility-style Title II regulation of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and return to the light-touch approach that had proven so successful for so many years prior to the previous FCC’s 2015 order.  The previous FCC’s action to impose a century-old regulatory framework designed for telephone monopolies was made despite the complete lack of evidence that smaller ISPs had market power and were using it to harm their customers or edge providers.  Yet, these ISPs now bear the full brunt of this wrong-headed decision, leaving them vulnerable to a host of new obligations and second-guessing by the FCC on the reasonableness of all of their rates, terms, conditions and practices.  This also harms their customers as these providers pull back on investing in their networks and services.  In the end, restoring light-touch regulation, as the FCC proposes, will give smaller ISPs greater incentives and capabilities to invest and innovate, all to the benefit of their communities.”

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America.  Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business.  For more information, visithttps://acaconnects.org/